New biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis-like disease

It has been known for several years that the diagnosis "multiple sclerosis" conceals a whole range of different illnesses, each requiring customized treatment. Researchers at the University of Basel and the University Hospital of Basel have now described a possible new MS-like disease and explained how to diagnose it.

Researchers have been gradually discovering the key distinctive features of "atypical" cases of MS for the past ten years. A few of these autoimmune diseases have been given different names to better distinguish them from MS even though they also destroy the myelin sheath. Victims of these diseases often have inflammation in their spinal cords or optic nerves.

In a study of roughly 1,300 patients, Pröbstel's team has now discovered a biomarker that may make it possible to differentiate another MS-like illness from the others. The researchers have reported their findings in the journal JAMA Neurology.

The team discovered a specific antibody, a type of immunoglobulin A (IgA), in one group of patients.

The antibody attacks a component of the myelin sheath called "MOG" (which stands for "myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein"). IgA antibodies are typically responsible for protecting mucous membranes.

The researchers want to decipher the role of MOG-IgA and the clinical characteristics arising from it in more detail.